‘The Fisherman’ Movie Finds Director in David Lowery for John Langan Horror Adaptation

Award-winning horror novel The Fisherman is officially making its way to theaters, with filmmaker David Lowery set to direct the feature adaptation for Focus Features.

The adaptation of John Langan’s Bram Stoker Award-winning novel was announced by The Hollywood Reporter, with Lowery teaming up with Alex Ross Perry to write the screenplay.

Published in 2016, The Fisherman follows Abe and Dan, two widowers who form a friendship through their shared love of fishing. The trips provide a way for them to escape the grief of losing their families — until Dan discovers a mysterious fishing location known as Dutchman’s Creek in upstate New York.

Legend says the isolated creek has the power to let people see those they have lost.

Despite warnings and a chilling story about the creek’s dark history, the two men venture into the unknown and encounter something far beyond their expectations: Der Fisher, also known as The Fisherman.

The film adaptation will be produced by Platinum Dunes’ Michael Bay and Brad Fuller, along with Gary Dauberman for Coin Operated.

Known for films including The Green Knight and Mother Mary, Lowery brings a distinctive visual style to the project, making him an intriguing choice to adapt Langan’s haunting blend of grief, cosmic horror, and dark folklore.

Author Laird Barron praised the novel as “an epic, yet intimate, horror novel,” comparing Langan’s work to legendary writers including M.R. James, Robert E. Howard, and Norman Maclean.

The quote perfectly captures the book’s unique atmosphere: “What you get is A River Runs Through It… Straight to hell.”

With Lowery behind the camera and a story steeped in supernatural terror, The Fisherman could become one of horror’s most anticipated literary adaptations.